California Legislature Enters Final Two weeks

With topics ranging from pets to parents, the California Legislature took action on dozens of bills today. Lawmakers have just two weeks before the end of session to finish up work on pending legislation. The Assembly approved a measure limiting the gifts lawmakers can receive. Members also gave approval to a bill by Democratic Assemblyman Matt Dababneh that would regulate pet insurance policies.

“As veterinary costs continue to rise and more and more people consider their pet a part of the family, we want to make these protections in place will help people when they are shopping for pet insurance have clarity and also be able to pick the right plan,” he says.

The Assembly also passed legislation that strengthens penalties for people involved in child sex trafficking and allocates more resources for victims. Democratic Assemblyman Ken Cooley says trafficking is a growing problem in California and it has dire consequences.

“For children caught up in this, the average life expectancy becomes seven years due to the ravage of disease and the violence to which they are regularly subjected,” Cooley says.

The Senate approved a measure that would make it easier for active-duty military members who are victims of military sexual-assault to receive restitution. Senators also approved a bill that seeks to clarify the financial and legal obligations of surrogate mothers and sperm donors in the state. A measure that prohibits the sale or display of the Confederate flag on state-owned property also made it out of the Senate.